Making Room by Gather

The Nester, Myquillen Smith, Has become a well loved source of design knowledge in the social media space. She has been on the list of our 'guests we want to have on the show' for a while now, and this episode was everything I knew it would be! Just like speed dating, this episode goes through 20 'rules' for decorating that are listed in her new book, House Rules. When you hear those words you may think this conversation will be rigid, while actually It's the opposite. She approaches design, and encourages the everyday host, to learn the rules and then break them beautifully. We chat through everything from The early days of teaching on the internet Lessons learned from living in 15 homes 20 design guidelines that you can adopt today The difference between trending vs. trendy & so much more! Purchase House Rules Here Follow Myquillen at http://TheNester.com Buy the jeans you heard abut in this episode This episode is sponsored by: Magic Mind: Visit Magicmind.com/kayty for 56% off your first subscription or 20% off your single order Feast and Fettle: Take $50 off your first week of meals with code GATHER

Where do you learn about cooking? This question hit me lately. If we look back, we learned the ins and outs of hosting and navigating the kitchen from our families, and things have rapidly, and drastically, changed. So quickly we resort to social media, and while it's a great source of inspiration, it's not a good teacher. This conversation with author and recipe developer Kat Lieu paints the pictorially beautiful of the important role family plays in the way we view food. If you are anything like me Asian cuisine is comfort food. Not talking about quick Chinese take out but rather freshly steamed dim sum, a hot bowl of pho, congee when you're feeling under the weather, there's something about the authentic flavors that make your tastebuds feel home. This conversation walks us through the viral trends taking social media by storm, along with the flavors and techniques that characterize a modern Asian kitchen. Join us for this conversation that will leave you wanting to evaluate the way you view generational food culture in your own family, and ready to sink your teeth into some mochi! Follow Kat Here Or on Instagram, Here @subtleasian.baking @katlieu Buy your copy of her latest book here! This episode is sponsored by: Magic Mind: Visit Magicmind.com/kayty for 56% off your first subscription or 20% off your single order

You invited new friends over for dinner... ...it went well ...and now you're thinking, NOW WHAT? Don't wait another year to invite them over again. Instead listen to this! So many of us are craving deeper connection through our hospitality. We are longing for friendships but honestly- culture doesn't tell how the two fit together. In this episode, we will chat through three ways to intentionally deepen connections that start first at your table. Have a thought about this episode? Head on over to our instagram and join the conversation on our feed @Gatherintentionalliving This episode is sponsored by: Magic Mind: Visit Magicmind.com/kayty for 56% off your first subscription or 20% off your single order

Cancel culture, boundaries and gossip oh my! Makes you kind of want to say, 'you know what...let's just cancel', I get it! Culture is slowly but surely making more spaces for us to get honest about our relationships, and while it's an important step for so many of us, it still can seem uncertain and sometimes a little lonely. Courtney J Burg, author of Loyal to a Fault, joins me for this thought provoking, challenging and (hopefully!) healing conversation. We talk through various relational dynamics including: What to do when you realize your friendships are built on gossip Challenging female relationships 'Walking to your own island' What boundaries are not Boundries as an introvert Assertive communication & so much more Hospitality, community, and gathering can feel overwhelming when you consider all the relational dynamics. Join us in this conversation to give yourself a few tools for making it a bit more manageable. Buy Courtney's Book Here Visit Courtney's Website Here This episode is sponsored by: Magic Mind: Visit Magicmind.com/kayty for 56% off your first subscription or 20% off your single order

What if I told you that body image issues are not...actually about our body? What if I told you that health is not solely about food and exercise? What if we're getting it all wrong? ...and because of it our relationships are seeing the consequences? ...and because of it the way we 'show up' is being impacted. This conversation with Heather Creekmore is gold mine. Author of the book 40-Day Body Image Workbook, her platform helps thousands of women around the world redefine the way the approach body image, stop comparing and find freedom. Talking through everything from how various personality types view identity to how 'being in the kitchen' can be a form of control - through this conversation we will get to the heart of overcoming body issues once and for all. Looking to snag the iced neck ring that Heather talks about? Snag yours here! Follow Heather at her website: improvebodyimage.com This episode is sponsored by: Coreats: Get your own gluten free mixes for 15% off here with code GATHER Magic Mind: Visit Magicmind.com/kayty for 56% off your first subscription or 20% off your single order

Do you have a creative outlet? I mean, really, in your schedule do you take the time to be creative outside of your job and responsibilities? Very few of us carve out time for creativity but that comes at a cost! Today's guest and I talk through some really delicious, and hard truths about identity, career and family. This mom and formally trained chef has walked through some difficult seasons of loss, challenges in postpartum and career. All which led her to exercise her creative muscle again but this time...on TikTok. The success and community that came from it was a welcome surprise that has led to viral salads, a fresh takes on healthy desserts, and crave worthy family friendly cooking. From culinary school to well loved social media personality, postpartum to rediscovering creativity this conversation is one you will not want to miss! Join us this week, welcoming on Kat Ashmore and celebrating the release of her new cookbook, Big Bites. Follow Kat at https://kathleenashmore.com/ Buy her book, Big Bites, here! Looking to stock up on your favorite clean beauty products from this episode? Head on over to Primally Pure & use code Gather for 10% off This Episode was Sponsored by: Coreats: Take 15% off paleo, keto and vegan friendly mixes with code GATHER Feast and Fettle: Take $50 off your first week of meals with code GATHER

Let me paint a picture for you... 5th Grade Kayty goes to her room to watch TV. What does she turn on? Not Nickelodeon, nope, Food Network. Surprised? That and Game Show Network. From an early age my passion for food, culinary arts (and apparently game shows?) ran through my veins and through it I became Food Network Obsessed. Over the years I watched food trends, and the network, evolve and it's such an incredible transformation to look back on! If you are anything like me you have your favorite chefs, shows and of course recipes. Through it all, probably all wondering a bit about what they are like behind the scenes, too! Todays' guest Jaymee Sire, is the host of Food Networks podcast, Food Network Obsessed. Her journey there was anything by linear, but a story of opportunity and pivots through a lay off and burn out. Her expertise in interviewing and media took on a new face and lead her to a robust career on all of our favorite network! She comes on the show today to talk about the importance of community and networking, behind the scenes of the show we know and love and closes off with a very personal, and very relatable recommendation for all of us. Join us for an episode where we all can geek out over our favorite source of food inspiration, and a little nostalgia while we're at it! Follow Along With Jaymee: @jaymeesire on Socials Visit Her Website Listen to her podcast show: Food Network Obsessed Podcast Looking to stock up on your favorite clean beauty products from this episode? Head on over to Primally Pure & use code Gather for 10% off

Transition. It's something that marks a lot of our stories, but especially that of today's guest Anh Lin. Moving and navigating short term relationships are both things that she has come to know quite well in her life...and that that in a very unique way led her to design. From being raised in Vietnam to navigating her own story of abuse, attachment, and lack she felt a unique invitation. One to make life beautiful. Design has always been so interesting to me. It has the ability to draw you in or push you away without any words used at all. A series of choices, purchases, placement, all come together to create an experience...but how? Are people simply born with the knowledge? Does it have to do with income level, or status? Today's guest, the creator behind Girl and the Word, shows us that in fact design is a series of choices, simple yet intentional, that can bring beauty into any home, any situation and any story. Join us for this conversation that walks through turning brokenness into beauty and how you can too! Celebrating the release of her new book, Forever Home, you will not want to miss this new title and conversation! Follow Anh's Story here Buy her devotional journal here! But her book here! This episode is sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com to use my code GATHER for $20 off and free shipping off your first subscription and a YEAR OF FREE CHICKEN! Magic Mind Looking to enhance your productivity? Energize without the jitters? Boost creativity...naturally? Try Magic Mind today with code Makingroom20 at Magicmind.com/makingroom for 20% off (Combine with a subscription for up to 50% off

I thought I was preparing for a conversation surrounding our favorite, nostalgic, shopping snack. We all know the one I'm talking about, the soft pretzels that you either ate coated in cinnamon sugar or dunked in that crave-worthy cheese sauce. As it ended up, I found us taking through the tear-jerking, heart wrenching, redemption story that is the life of Auntie Anne's founder, Anne Beiler. Only a few times have I been surprised by an interview, and well- this one blew me away. Anne Beiler's life is marked by a childhood positively influenced by Amish culture culture, life changing heart break, strong faith, and seasons that caused her to question (and rebuild) everything. If you, like me, love to dive into the story of how America's leading brands started- trust me, this one will absolutely amaze you. Join us, as we learn about the life of Anne, the story behind the brand and celebrate her latest cookbook, Come to the Table. This episode is sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com to use my code GATHER for $20 off and free shipping off your first subscription and a YEAR OF FREE CHICKEN! Magic Mind Looking to enhance your productivity? Energize with the jitters? Boost creativity...naturally? Try Magic Mind today with code Makingroom20 at Magicmind.com/makingroom for 20% off (Combine with a subscription for up to 50% off

#Basic, We've all seen this as we peruse social media. While there's a side of it that's endearing, there's a side of it that is a subtle dig as well. There's a tension in our culture right now between craving being in our home's and criticizing those who prioritize it. Why is this? When did it happen? ...and what's the answer? The past week as I was on social media I saw a reel that invited people back to 'homemaking', and talked directly to the person who feels like they weren't taught how to do this. This reel racked up 20 million views +, and the account behind it welcomed 300k+ followers from it! It makes sense why, because the message resonates with so many of us! I welcomed on the face behind this account, Susan, to help us dive into this very timely conversation. In this episode we will dive into: -What is homemaking- what do we lose from ignoring it & what do we gain from embracing it -What is habit stacking and how do we make take steps to embracing home again -With bits of inspiration for the master homemaker and the one that's wanting to start grabbing ahold of their family culture again- this episode is for you. If you are looking for practical steps to getting ahold of your family and space again- we are talking about (and celebrating the launch of ) Susan's new resource The Weekly Household Planner, that we know you will love! Available now for purchase! Head on over to follow her to soak in all of her wisdom and celebrate her growth at @confidentmom And purchase her new planner here! ----------- This episode was sponsored by: Magic Mind Visit Magicmind.com/makingroom and use code Makingroom20 for 20% off. Stack with a subscription for up to 50% off your order of their productivity shots!

Wait, did you just say that? Any time we talk about food or the table, it's inevitable that conversations about weight or weight loss come up...and more often than not it's cringy. It looks different for everyone but whether it's for health reasons or preference, hosting guests who are on their weight loss (or health) journeys is inevitable. We've all heard the family member who says something a bit off the cuff or we've made the dish that tastes like cardboard but it doesn't have to be this way. It's time to talk about how to host in this situation well. I welcomed on the creator and found of Clean and Delicious to help tackle this conversation, Dani Spies. We cover everything from identifying the eating style best for you, how to talk to guests about their weight loss journey, simple tips for cooking for crowd with mixed dietary needs & more. Whether you are the one looking to eat a little lighter or you are getting ready to open your doors, there's something for you in this conversation. Stay tuned for more conversations like this in the coming season! Buy Dani's new cookbook here! Follow her on Youtube This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com to use my code GATHER for $10 off and free shipping off your first subscription!

Stress always falls by the wayside. It feels so much more important to focus on other areas of our health, life and relationships, am I right? Yet if we were to poll all of our listeners, I bet a vast majority of us would say that it's something we experience, daily. Stress seems to have changed in the past few years, along with the types of stressors and the way it shows up in our lives. It's time we learn about what it is that makes us burn out and the important resets to reduce the stress we all feel. Dr. Aditi after years of working with patients made it her mission to focus on making stress something that is both tangible and treatable. With a focus on educating the general public on the crisis in an approachable way, her career and knowledge has lead many to feeling freedom and with skills to manage the stress they feel. It's more common than we all would like to admit that we use stress as an 'excuse' for not spending time together, not creating, not learning, not gathering & so many other aspects to being together. Join us in this profound, light hearted yet wisdom FILLED conversation that will leave you wanting to make this holiday season a stress-free one to remember! Follow Dr. Aditi Here Buy her new book here! This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com to use my code GATHER for $15 off and to pick your free meat for a year as a part of their Black Friday sale!

As we get busier as a culture, spend less time home and with each other there are less opportunities to learn how to cook confidently. We can probably all think of a recipe that did not end up the way we wished it would. Times when dinner stuck to the pan, the cookies ended up salty or even when we took one bite and threw the whole thing straight in the trash. Our guest today, Bri McKoy, can relate. She didn't grow up loving to cook, in fact she didn't see the point in even learning. However as she entered adulthood and realized that her 'eating out lifestyle' wasn't going to cut it, she took on the challenge, learned to love cooking and wants to teach you everything she learned. From how to properly use salt, how the right sauce can elevate basic ingredients and go-to recipes for busy nights. This episode will get you inspired to get back into the kitchen and experiment with new confidence. Follow Bri @brimckoy Buy her latest cookbook here This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com to use my code GATHER for $15 off and to pick your free meat for a year!

"Friendships just don't work for me" Maybe you have found yourself saying this. One way or another we have all found ourselves in cycles of stress, anxiety and either learned to cope well... or not so well. If you watched my recent TED talk, you may have heard the part at the very end, the part that surprises most people, where I share what I believe is the key to meaningful hospitality: The hard work of heart work'. I've realized that in my own life when realitionships are strained, or when we find ourselves constantly lonely, that often it's a sign that we need to dive in and ask why. It's time that we own the responsibility. To help me navigate this conversation, I welcomed on @ramsey personality and mental health expert John Delony. Talking through his recent research, own life experience and new book Building a Non-Anxious Life, I promise you that this conversation brings a new light to anxiety and lead you to a new freedom that you've been craving your life and relationships. Visit John & buy his new book! Johndelony.com Buy his latest book here! This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com/Gather to use my code GATHER for $30 off and free shipping!

Doesn't it feel like everyone is in Italy? I can't be the only one of scrolls social and see's half my feed exploring the cobblestone streets and sinking their teeth into the flavors that distinctively come from Italian Roots. Something about the colors, flavors and charm makes me crave pieces of it in my own dining, my own living, and my own hospitably. Katie Parla was born and raised in the East Coast, in the USA, and as soon as she could made Italy her home. Since then she has been set on exploring the parts of the country that are off the beaten track and educating the everyday cook with the real flavors of Italy. She has taken her knowledge to cooking shows we know and love while also giving private culinary tours that you can book her for on your own vacation We laughed and connected over topics including: "Is it the algorithm or is everyone in Italy" The hidden gems that everyone should know about as you plan your trip to Italy What should everyone know about travel in Italy, that isn't usually shared What life looks like as a culinary guide What is distinctive about the flavors of the Italian islands vs. main cities American-Italian food How to enhance the quality and authenticity of Italian cooking in our own homes The role that alcohol plays in preventing difficult conversation Katie whisks us away to a side of Italy that isn't shown on social media, and hopefully compels us all to slow down, plan a vacation there to experience it all OR take the steps embrace the taste of Italy and the Italian Islands in our own homes. Visit Katie & book her as your culinary guide around Italy Katieparla.com Buy a copy of Katie's latest cookbook here! This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com/Gather to use my code GATHER for $25 off and $480 of free ground beef in your first 2 years.

Many of us likely haven't said these exact words outloud but, interior design has become our master. What do I mean by that? We allow our design skills, or lack of, decor, or lack of dictate how comfortable we are welcoming others in. Have you felt it? If you've been around for a while you'll know that design is a passion of mine, and I believe that there is a level of it that is necessary for hospitality. Somewhere along the lines though, the way we talk about it and approach it in our own spaces goes beyond passion. You could say that for many of us, it has become a dictator that gives us permission to move forward or on the contrary, holds us back. Victoria Duerstock is a new friend of Gather, and in this episode talk about our own personal experiences with how design has the ability to create chaos or peace in our homes. Whether you are a long time host or just approaching designing your space , this thought provoking conversation will get you evaluating your own approach design and give you peace-filled tips to move forward. Stay tuned for more step-by-step design focused episodes in this coming season! Visit Victoria and her platform: Victoriaduerstock.com Endgamepress.com This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com/Gather to get $30 off your first order of American meat Delivered straight to your door, and lock in your meat prices for TWO YEARS for with code GATHER

One of our goals for the show this coming season is to answer your questions directly on the show! This past week we had great questions come in through our Instagram dm's and truthfully, I think the answers would benefit a lot of you! " How do I decorate for outdoor hosting and make it not chaotic and awkward? " Also... "What can I make for guests that will stay hot for when I have to serve it?" We will dive into the 'how-to's', check lists, and framework to use for these situations that will leave you ready to tackle them at your next gathering! Do you have a question that you want to submit to the show? Email them to Ciao@gatherintentionalliving.com This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com/Gather to get $30 off your first order of American meat Delivered straight to your door for summer BBQ's with code GATHER

Goodness, It's a bit surreal, we're celebrating 100 episodes of Making Room by Gather! We want to celebrate with a special giveaway! Listen to the episode, head on over to our instagram @gatherintentionalliving - Follow all of the accounts in the caption - Leave 5 stars and a written review wherever you listen to the show - Comment " Hey @gatherintentionalliving I entered!" And you'll be in the running! Winner will be selected 7/23 at 9 pm EST After you listen to this episode, email CIAO@gatherintentionalliving.com with questions that you would like for us to feature in this upcoming season of the show! Here's to 100 more episodes!

It seems as though as time goes on, the divide between the older and younger generation gets stronger. The older generation is becoming increasingly frustrated with the behavior and trends that the younger generation expresses and the younger generation feels disconnected and distant from the older generation. We hear comments all the time like " Millinials always do ________" or "Boomers always ________". I realized that it was time to stop and take some time to really understand who makes up each of the generations along with what they long for in community and at the table. Through this powerful conversation with our friends Micah and Josiah Kennealy, we will touch on: * What characterizes each generation * The importance of generational diversity in our lives * False judgements or assumptions about each generation and the truth behind them * How to approach phones and the conversation around them at our gatherings *The danger of too much joking at our table * How to restore honor and humility as we learn and embrace change between younger and older generations Truthfully no matter your age or background this conversation will leave you challenged and with a further depth of readiness and understanding. The conversation has the ability to truly change everything about the way we gather.

This season comes with its own form of cozy- its own sort of magic. As we enter into the heart of warm weather entertaining we are naturally spending more time outdoors...but...are our spaces ready? The goal of 'readiness' is never perfection, but instead confidence. Are you confident welcoming others into your space? This week we welcome on our friend, designer and CEO of designer doormat brand Porte + Hall, Stafford Meyer to talk all things Summer design. Her story is profound and the product she designed truly solves a problem so many of us have as we're creating our spaces. Through this conversion you will hear: Whether you are a want-to-be designer looking to get a few more skills or a seasoned expert, this conversation with Stafford is a sweet one to celebrate and prepare you for the season! Visit their website and purchase your own mat HERE! Use code GATHER20 for 20% off! This episode was sponsored by: Good Ranchers Visit Goodranchers.com/Gather to get $30 off your first order of American meat Delivered straight to your door for July 4th with code GATHER